Tax benefit for couples

Married couples can apply for a Christmas cash boost from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Applying online for marriage allowance, a tax break for married couples, is quick and easy and can save you up to £212 a couple.

The Allowance means a spouse or civil partner who doesn’t pay tax – either because they’re not earning at all or because they’re earning below £10,600 - can transfer up to £1060 of their personal tax-free allowance to a spouse or civil partner – as long as the recipient of the transfer doesn’t pay more than the basic rate of Income Tax.

Ruth Owen, director general, personal tax, HMRC, said: “Marriage Allowance means couples up and down the country can get a bit of extra support at a time of year when we all need a little more cash.

“Whether you use it to buy presents for the family or put it away for a rainy day, Marriage Allowance means saving £212 on your tax bill every year.

“People can apply at any point in the tax year and still receive the full benefit of the allowance.”